2013 high school girls track preview

March 24, 2013

It's been a frustrating preseason for spring sports coaches throughout the area, and it's no exception for those leading track and field programs.

The lingering winter conditions and snow-covered tracks are limiting outdoor workouts, causing coaches to find creative ways to get their teams ready for the start of the season.

"It's not too bad with the veterans, but it's really tough with new athletes," Central Cambria coach Randy Wilson said. "The kids have never seen so many nooks and corners of the school for workouts.

"You don't want to injure people. You can't have a sprinter open up when it's so cold out. It's not so bad with the distance runners, but running in town, sidewalks are covered with snow. The jumpers haven't really done much, either. It's really tough."

Even though much of the area has suffered from an extended winter, the schools in Cambria County still have several inches of snow on the ground.

And that puts over half of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference schools - as well as the Hertiage Conference team - at a bigger disadvantage, especially when it comes to looking at the big picture.

"I definitely think schools up here - we have it that much worse," Wilson said. "We literally have only been on our track a couple of times. When it comes to preparing for states, it's almost like we are getting a much later start than most of the schools in Pennsylvania.

"The one benefit, though, is that the kids are learning different ways they can work out on their own and at home."

Here is a look at the teams in the Mirror's coverage area with information as provided by the coaches:

Strengths: "Excellent attitude and work ethic. A strong desire for self improvement that hopefully will result in team success."

Concerns: "Injuries, scoring depth in certain events, and developing underclassmen who can compete and contribute at our level of competition. The poor early season weather has been slowing down our preseason preparation."

Overall outlook: "Our schedule will help prepare us for success at the district and state level, and I'm looking forward to a competitive season."

Strengths: "Highly motivated group with returning seniors. Fun to be around."

Concerns: "Lack of experience. No junior high feeder program."

Overall outlook: "Looking forward to upcoming season. Better numbers than in the past. If we can continue to motivate and they allow themselves to learn, I know they will achieve their own personal goals and good things will follow."

Strengths: "My strenths this year are some very talented girls returning to the squad. There are also several freshmen that ran last year in the junior high program that posted good times for their meets."

Concerns: "With only three weeks to get ready for the first meet, it never seems like enough time to get strengthened and learn new abilities. Weather always plays a part in this, too. There are a lot of girls this year that are new to track and field and it will take time to get them acquainted."

Overall outlook: "We should have a good year with the girls team. I believe the girls will train hard and step it up in other events and win meets."

Strengths: "We have a great mix of veterans and newcomers, and a willingness of athletes to try events outside their comfort zone."

Concerns: "The weather is a huge concern. It is difficult to keep new athletes motivated with such terrible conditions."

Overall outlook: "We are really putting an emphasis on the throws and jumps this year, and we hope to be competitive in the LHAC and at the district level. It's no mystery, Forest Hills has been and is the top team in the area."

Overall outlook: "This year's girls are a strong group of athletes. The returning athletes are well-established in what is expected and striving to meet new distances and times. We have a strong group of freshmen that are very eager to work. We have a very capable coaching staff enabling us to help the athletes in all areas. We are very optimistic about a winning season."

Strengths: "Baylee Beegle returns as two-year top point leader and a district long jump champion along with fellow sprinter/jumper Shiane Pittman to help lead."

Concerns: "Filling the slots that last year's senior class left - they brought in so many points, especially in the field events. We have very little experience returning."

Overall outlook: "We will take our lumps in dual meets, but hopefully by the end of the season, the cream of the crop will rise to the top for the big meets at the end of the season. I'm looking for our juniors to be our leaders this season."

Strengths: "I believe that our distance and sprinting events will be strong, as we have some very talented young ladies returning in those events this year."

Concerns: "We do have a small team this year with 20 girls, which puts us at a disadvantage in terms of the number of people competing in each event."

Overall outlook: "I have always been blessed with a great group of dedicated young ladies who encourage each other and work to their potential. I believe that this year is no different. Our small team allows us to get to know each other and truly bond as a team."